Chapter 2
The villa was stunning, with its fancy architecture and over–the–top decor, packed with expensive furniture. It all felt so familiar, but at the same time, kind of cold and distant.
Joanna, it’s good that you’re back. From now on, stay by your father’s side,” came the deep, weathered voice of Dexter Menzie.
Dexter, the head of the powerful Menzie Group, whose every move could rock Osland City, was now visibly moved as he looked at his beloved daughter, Joanna.
Joanna rushed over and threw herself into Dexter’s arms, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.
Dexter let out a heavy sigh. He was torn between pain and anger over Joanna’s past choices. Joanna, spoiled and doted on since childhood, had suffered inhumane treatment at the hands of the Buckley family.
If it weren’t for his promise to Joanna, he would’ve given Howell a serious talking–to.
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stick by your side from now on,” she said, her voice steady. She’d learned her lesson–no more throwing herself into the fire like a damn moth. Last time, she got burned.
“Good. Take a few days to rest, then I’ll have your brother help you get up to speed. In a week, you’ll officially start at the company. There’s a charity gala coming up, and you’ll go, meet everyone,” Dexter said, his excitement obvious.
She had always kept a low profile, and many people didn’t even know she existed. But now, Joanna was about to start her career. It was something to celebrate.
He handed her a black diamond card. “This is an unlimited card. Go buy whatever you want.” The Menzie family never had to worry about money.
Joanna stared at the card, feeling a mix of emotions. Just yesterday, she had been broke; today, she was a billionaire.
That same day, she texted her best friend, Isabella Wilcher, telling her she was back.
Isabella’s reply was filled with excited [Ah!]s. They immediately made plans to meet for lunch and a shopping spree.
When they saw each other, Isabella gave her a big bear hug. “Darling, this is amazing! Congratulations on escaping that nightmare and getting a fresh start.”
Over the past few years, Isabella had watched Joanna live without dignity. She had urged Joanna to divorce more than once, but Joanna had been blinded by love.
Now, though, she had broken free from that family and was starting anew.
Isabella spat out, her teeth clenched in anger, “Howell’s such an idiot. Let him regret it–it’s his loss. And Margot’s just itching to take your spot. Someone really needs to expose those two disgusting assholes.
“He’s such a damn bastard, still all over that old, rotten Margot like she’s the freshest thing on the block–it’s fucking disgusting!”
“Who are you ranting about?” Joanna asked, a little amused.
“Sorry, I got carried away,” Isabella continued.
“Anyway, it’s not my problem anymore. If Margot wants to pick up my scraps, let her. I don’t need his ass,” Joanna said.
“That’s the spirit! Now let’s go, shopping time! We’re celebrating your new life!”
The two of them went straight to a luxury boutique in the city’s most upscale shopping mall
Joanna remembered she needed a gown for the charity gala in a week. Over the years, she’d been frugal–never mind luxury brands, she hadn’t even splurged on street–market goods.
As soon as they walked in, her sharp eye for design inmediately landed on a stunning white gown in the window. The fabric was rich and luxurious, with an unmistakable high–end feel.
Joanna pointed to the dress and said, “Excuse me, I’d like to try that on.”
The sales associate gave her a quick once–over and raised an eyebrow. “That dress is a limited edition from our new collection. It costs six figures, so be extra careful when trying it on. If you damage it, you’ll have to pay full compensation.”
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Both Joanna and Isabella froze for a moment, surprised by her words,
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Chapter 2
“What the hell do you mean by that? Are you saying we can’t afford it?” Isabella shot back, pissed off.
She thought, ‘How the hell can someone working in a high–end store be this damn condescending?‘
The associate stayed cool, not flinching. “I’m just giving you a heads–up. Our brand isn’t exactly something everyone can afford.”
Joanna pressed her lips together, her gaze sharp and cool. She turned to the associate and said coldly, “Take it down. I’m trying it on.”
Her tone left no room for argument. The sales associate hesitated for only a second before she obediently retrieved the dress.
A few moments later, Joanna emerged from the fitting room, and the dress seemed like it had been custom–made for her. The white fabric made her skin glow, while the form–fitting silhouette accentuated her curves perfectly.
Isabella’s eyes widened, clearly impressed. “Damn, babe, you look fucking amazing.”
Just then, a familiar voice called out. “Mom, check this out! Doesn’t this dress look perfect on me? If I wear it to the gala, I’ll totally steal the spotlight!”
Joanna turned to see Polly and Theodora standing there, their eyes immediately locking with hers.
“Joanna, what are you doing here?” Polly gasped, clearly shocked.
Joanna balled her fist, a smirk flickering across her face. ‘What a coincidence,‘ she thought.
She hadn’t bothered checking her fortune today, but running into these two obnoxious women might actually work to her advantage.
Polly and Theodora had always looked down on her. To them, she was nothing more than a lowly outsider.
Joanna thought, ‘What would they think if they know I am now a billionaire?‘
“Why can’t I be here? This isn’t your store, is it?” Joanna’s voice was ice–cold.
Theodora sneered. “With your background, do you think you’re worthy of wearing a brand like this?”
Joanna didn’t respond. The sales associate had already stepped forward with a smile. “Mrs. Buckley, Ms. Buckley, welcome! Please, come in.”
Both of them were VVIP clients at the store, spending millions of dollars every time they came in. They were practically walking ATMs.
“I want the dress she’s wearing,” Theodora ordered arrogantly. “Tell her to take it off.”
The sales associate, still grinning like a damn sycophant, said to Joanna, “Miss, could you please take the dress off? It’s really not your style.”
Isabella was seething.
“Sorry, but I’ve already bought this dress,” Joanna said firmly, standing her ground.
“You filthy bitch!” Polly hissed, her tone venomous. “You’re just wasting Howell’s money. Once we get home, I’ll make sure he divorces you.”
Joanna let out a cold laugh, her eyes as sharp as daggers. “Oh, my bad. I forgot to mention–I’m already divorced from Howell.
“From now on, you’ll be begging me, but I won’t set foot in the Buckley family again. I’ve put up with your shit long enough, but if you keep pushing me, I won’t be so damn nice.”
Polly was caught off guard, her confidence cracking under the icy weight of Joanna’s words. ‘Is this the same woman I used to know? Has she really changed this much?” she thought.
“That’s great. Someone like you doesn’t deserve my brother. Only Margot is worthy of him,” Theodora sneered, then pulled out a platinum card. “Excuse me, I’d like to use my platinum membership privileges. Please have these two escorted out immediately.”
As a platinum cardholder, she had the right to clear any store in the mall.
Isabella rolled her eyes. “Are we really doing this? It’s a shopping mall, not a caste system.”
“Darling, let’s go, she said, taking Joanna’s arm. “I don’t want to be anywhere near these people.”
Joanna stood her ground, unfazed. Today, she was going to teach them a lesson they wouldn’t forget.
“What’s the highest–tier card here?” Joanna asked casually.
Theodora chuckled lightly. “A diamond card, but there’s only one. Don’t tell me you have one, that would be laughable.”
The diamond black card was a symbol of wealth, power, and status.
Joanna’s eyes gleamed. Without missing a beat, she pulled out a card from her purse and handed it over. Take a good look. What do you think this
The sales associate gasped. “A diamond black card?”
